Orton Geological Museum - a room filled with suitcases and a display case
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Orton Geological Museum

4.6
·182 reviews·Columbus, United States

A compact, free museum on OSU's campus showcasing global rocks, minerals, and fossils, including an Antarctic dinosaur.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more curator time

CrowdLow
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Orton Geological Museum - a room filled with suitcases and a display case

Orton Geological Museum

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more curator time

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A compact, free museum on OSU's campus showcasing global rocks, minerals, and fossils, including an Antarctic dinosaur.

4.6
(182 reviews)

"This small museum packs a big punch with its impressive geological collection and friendly curator."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Chat with the Curator!

Don't miss talking to curator Dale Gnidovec; he's a gem for local fossil hunting tips! :gem:

⏰ Check Hours Before You Go

Hours can be limited (e.g., 10 AM-2 PM mentioned once), so call ahead to confirm! :alarm_clock:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Antarctic Dinosaur Skeleton

Antarctic Dinosaur Skeleton

Orton Hall

Marvel at a rare Jurassic dinosaur skeleton discovered all the way from Antarctica. A truly unique find!

Glow-in-the-Dark Minerals

Glow-in-the-Dark Minerals

Mineral Displays

Discover a dazzling array of crystals and minerals, some of which possess the fascinating ability to glow in the dark.

Fossil Hunting Insights

Fossil Hunting Insights

Curator's Desk

Chat with the knowledgeable curator, Dale Gnidovec, for expert advice on local fossil hunting spots .

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Planning Your Visit

Weekday Wonders: Plan Your Visit

The Orton Geological Museum is typically open weekdays, 8 AM to 5 PM.Instagram It's a compact space, so a quick visit is feasible. For a more in-depth experience, especially if you want to chat with the curator, consider calling ahead to confirm hours and availability.Reddit

Free Admission, Big Discoveries

Enjoy a wealth of geological wonders without spending a dime! Admission to the Orton Geological Museum is free.Instagram+1 It's a fantastic, budget-friendly option for families and students looking to explore rocks, minerals, and fossils.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more curator time
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Still accessible, good for quick visits
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Geologic time song at the natural history museum! #mindblown #science #paleontology #dinosaurs #LearnOnTikTok #geology #funfacts
@oddpride
113K likes • 833.8K views

🎯 Chat with the Curator!

Don't miss talking to curator Dale Gnidovec; he's a gem for local fossil hunting tips! Reddit :gem:

⏰ Check Hours Before You Go

Hours can be limited (e.g., 10 AM-2 PM mentioned once), so call ahead to confirm! Reddit :alarm_clock:

Ever wanted to touch real dinosaur bones? 🦖 At Dinosaur National Monument, you can see over 1,500 fossils still in the rock wall at the Quarry Exhibit Hall—and yes, you can actually touch some of them! The free shuttle takes you straight to one of the coolest paleontology sites in the world. A must-see for families, road trippers, and adventure lovers! 🎟️ Add this to your Utah or Colorado travel b...
@adventurefamilyvlog
98.2K likes • 1.9M views
The Orton Geological Museum is located in Orton Hall on the South Oval of The Ohio State University, in Columbus, Ohio. Part of the School of Earth Sciences, the Museum plays a key role in research, teaching, and outreach. Gallery displays are normally open to the public 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Explore rocks, minerals, and fossils from Ohio, from around the world, and from ou...
ascatosu
110 likes • 10.5K views

✨ Free Admission Fun

Enjoy this hidden gem without breaking the bank – it's completely free to enter! Instagram+1 :moneywithwings:

🦕 Kid-Friendly Fossil Fun

Perfect for kids who love dinosaurs and rocks; they could spend hours here! Reddit :dinosaur:

☀️Stay cool this week with one of these FREE indoor activities around Columbus! 🥵 1. Orton Geological Museum @ortongeologicalmuseum 2. Aquarium Adventure @aquariumadventurecolumbus 3. OSU Airport @osuairport 4. Museum Education Center @ohiostatehouse 5. Nature Center at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park @cbusmetroparks ➡️ Need more? I’ve got a list of 10 at the link in my bio!
whatshouldwedotoday_cbus
3.4K likes • 131.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Chat with the Curator!

Don't miss talking to curator Dale Gnidovec; he's a gem for local fossil hunting tips! Reddit :gem:

⏰ Check Hours Before You Go

Hours can be limited (e.g., 10 AM-2 PM mentioned once), so call ahead to confirm! Reddit :alarm_clock:

✨ Free Admission Fun

Enjoy this hidden gem without breaking the bank – it's completely free to enter! Instagram+1 :moneywithwings:

🦕 Kid-Friendly Fossil Fun

Perfect for kids who love dinosaurs and rocks; they could spend hours here! Reddit :dinosaur:

📍 Campus Gem

Located on The Ohio State University campus, it's a quick, quirky stop while exploring. Instagram :map:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(182 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Orton Geological Museum as a 'hidden gem' and a 'compact' yet 'impressive' collection. The free admission and the opportunity to interact with the knowledgeable curator, Dale Gnidovec, are frequently highlighted as major positives, especially for families. While some note its small size, the quality of exhibits and the welcoming atmosphere make it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in geology or local history.

"The Orton Geological Museum is a hidden gem. This small yet compact museum showcases an impressive collection of geological artifacts that beautifully depict the city's history. The adjacent library is vast and impressive. The staff are friendly and welcoming. Visitors will appreciate the thoughtful displays and informative exhibits, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in geology or local history. It was a pleasant and enriching experience. I’d say inspiring for the youngsters."

Yousuf Khan

"This is a small museum but packs a big punch. Right in the heart of Ohio State's main campus, the trip there is just as fun. While the displays are very educational, the real gem is the museum curator. Do not leave without visiting and talking with Dale Gnidovec. He spent so much time with us, teaching us about rocks we brought in and sharing ideas of places to go fossil hunting around the state. This is a good visit for those interested in learning about geology. Call and make sure they are open and admission is free."

Darci Untied

"This small museum inside Orton Hall has several interesting selections, especially mineral and natural samples. Buckeyes would love to take a quick tour whenever passing the Oval."

Vincent Lam

What People Like

Free admission
Knowledgeable curator
Impressive fossil collection

What People Dislike

Small size
Limited hours

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Orton Geological Museum is located in Orton Hall on the South Oval of The Ohio State University campus in Columbus, Ohio.Instagram It's easily accessible on foot when exploring the university grounds. Parking might be available in nearby garages, but check OSU's parking services for current rates and availability.

While the museum is on campus, parking directly at Orton Hall is limited. Visitors typically use nearby campus parking garages. It's best to check The Ohio State University's parking services website for the most up-to-date information on visitor parking locations and fees.

Yes, The Ohio State University campus is well-served by COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority) bus lines. Several routes stop near the Oval, making it convenient to reach the Orton Geological Museum via public transportation.

Orton Hall is an older building, and accessibility can vary. While efforts are often made to accommodate visitors, it's advisable to contact the museum directly to inquire about specific accessibility features and any potential limitations.

Orton Hall is situated on the South Oval, a central and prominent area of The Ohio State University campus. Using a campus map or a GPS app with campus navigation can help you easily locate it.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to the Orton Geological Museum is completely free! It's a fantastic way to experience a unique collection without any cost.Instagram+1

The museum is typically open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m..Instagram However, some reviews mention shorter hours like 10 AM-2 PM, so it's highly recommended to call ahead and confirm their current operating hours before your visit.Reddit

No, advance booking is not required as admission is free. However, if you're planning a group visit or wish to speak with the curator, it's a good idea to contact the museum beforehand.

Based on typical university museum schedules and user reports, the Orton Geological Museum is generally open on weekdays only and may be closed on university holidays. Always confirm hours directly with the museum.

University breaks can sometimes affect operating hours for campus facilities. It's best to check with the Orton Geological Museum directly to see if their hours change during OSU's academic breaks or summer sessions.

🎫 💎 Onsite Experience

The museum features a diverse collection of rocks, minerals, and fossils from Ohio, around the world, and even from outer space.Instagram Highlights include an Antarctic dinosaur skeleton and minerals that glow in the dark.Instagram+1

Absolutely! Kids who are interested in dinosaurs, rocks, and gems will find the museum fascinating. It's a great place to spark curiosity and encourage learning about science.TikTokReddit

The museum is described as small and compact.Reddit+1 Most visitors find it takes about 30 minutes to an hour to explore, though some kids might want to stay longer looking at the fossils.Reddit

While some museums have strict no-touch policies, it's always best to observe signage and ask staff if you're unsure. The focus is on viewing and learning from the displays.TikTok

The 'geologic time song' likely refers to educational content or exhibits that help visitors understand the vastness of geological time. While not a specific exhibit at Orton, it highlights the educational approach found in many natural history museums.TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Being located on The Ohio State University campus, there are numerous dining options nearby. You can find cafes, food courts, and restaurants within walking distance or a short drive from Orton Hall.

Generally, food and drinks are not permitted inside museum galleries to protect the exhibits. It's best to consume them outside or in designated areas before or after your visit.

Yes, The Ohio State University campus offers various unique dining spots. For example, the meat sales at the Department of Animal Sciences or the cafe in the Parker Food Science and Technology Building are mentioned as lesser-known campus gems.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed for personal use in most university museums, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions. Tripods or flash photography might be prohibited to protect the exhibits.

The Antarctic dinosaur skeleton and the colorful, sometimes glowing, mineral and crystal displays are visually striking and make for great photo opportunities.Instagram

The South Oval itself, where Orton Hall is located, is a picturesque part of campus. The surrounding architecture and green spaces offer lovely backdrops for photos.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Orton Geological Museum is a hit with families, especially those with children fascinated by dinosaurs and rocks.Reddit The museum features an Antarctic dinosaur skeleton Instagram and a variety of minerals and fossils that can keep young minds engaged for hours.Reddit The free admission makes it an excellent budget-friendly outing.Instagram+1 Consider calling ahead to confirm hours, as they can sometimes be limited,Reddit and don't miss the chance to chat with the curator, Dale Gnidovec, who is known for his engaging insights and fossil hunting tips.Reddit

🎓 Students & Budget Travelers

For students at The Ohio State University and budget-conscious travelers, the Orton Geological Museum is a must-visit. Its prime location on campus and, crucially, its free admission make it an accessible and enriching experience.Instagram+1 It's a perfect spot for a quick educational break between classes or a low-cost activity while exploring Columbus. The compact size means you can easily fit it into a busy schedule without dedicating a whole day.Reddit+1

🤓 Geology Enthusiasts

Geology buffs will appreciate the diverse collection of rocks, minerals, and fossils, including specimens from around the world and even outer space.Instagram The opportunity to interact with the museum's curator, Dale Gnidovec, is a significant draw, offering expert knowledge and local insights.Reddit Whether you're interested in paleontology, mineralogy, or simply the Earth's history, the Orton Geological Museum provides a focused and informative experience.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Curator's Corner: A Personal Touch

One of the most frequently praised aspects of the Orton Geological Museum is its curator, Dale Gnidovec.Reddit Unlike larger institutions, this small museum offers a unique opportunity for visitors to interact directly with an expert. Travelers rave about his willingness to spend time teaching about rocks, identifying specimens visitors bring in, and even suggesting local fossil hunting locations.Reddit This personal interaction transforms a simple museum visit into an educational adventure, making it particularly memorable for families and budding geologists.

This hands-on approach to learning is a key differentiator. While social media often showcases impressive fossils and minerals,TikTokInstagram+1 the real magic at Orton lies in the human connection. It’s this kind of personalized guidance that sparks lasting curiosity and encourages a deeper appreciation for the earth sciences. For anyone visiting, making time to speak with Dale is highly recommended to unlock the full potential of the museum experience.

A Compact Collection with Global Reach

Don't let its size fool you; the Orton Geological Museum packs a significant punch with its diverse collection. Housed within Orton Hall on The Ohio State University campus, this museum showcases rocks, minerals, and fossils sourced not only from Ohio but also from around the globe and even from outer space.Instagram This broad scope means visitors can encounter a wide array of geological wonders, from ancient Antarctic dinosaur skeletons Instagram to mesmerizing crystals that glow in the dark.Instagram

The displays are thoughtfully curated, offering a glimpse into the Earth's history and the vastness of geological time. While some visitors note its compact nature,Reddit+1 the quality and variety of the specimens make it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in geology. It serves as a valuable educational resource for students and the public alike, highlighting the importance of geological research and discovery.

Orton Geological Museum: A Free Campus Gem

The Orton Geological Museum stands out as a fantastic free attraction on The Ohio State University campus.Instagram+1 This accessibility makes it an ideal destination for students, families, and budget-conscious travelers looking for an enriching experience without the cost. Its location within Orton Hall on the South Oval places it at the heart of campus, making it easy to incorporate into a campus tour or a day exploring Columbus.Instagram+1

Being free of charge, it encourages spontaneous visits and allows for repeat explorations. This accessibility aligns with the broader trend of making educational resources more widely available, as seen in other free museum initiatives highlighted on social media.TikTokInstagram The museum’s commitment to offering its impressive collection at no cost underscores its role as a community resource and a testament to the value of geological education.

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